(Greencastle, Ind.) The ‘Masked Mommas,’ more than 20 Putnam County women, have filled nearly 2,000 orders for N95 style and protective masks since they started making them in their basements 15 days ago, and they are still accepting requests.

To date, they have provided masks for the entire Putnam County Hospital staff, as well as dietitians and pharmacists at the hospital. They have supplied masks for essential workers at Kroger in Greencastle and Mooresville, Wendys, all Putnam County nursing home facilities and in-home healthcare, gas stations, Cloverdale Police, Greencastle Police, Indiana State Police motorcycle troopers, Fillmore Volunteer Fire Department, the Putnam County Courthouse staff, Putnam County Comprehensive Services, the Putnam County food pantry, and Family Support Services. Additional mask recipients both in and outside of Putnam County are at the end of this release.

The genesis for the Masked Mommas began when Amy Clark learned her two daughters, who work in healthcare, were on the frontlines fighting COVID-19 without protection. Amy, along with Yolanda Goodpaster, Rashell Harcourt and Sandi Clark, got to work in their basements.

“I originally posted on Facebook that we were making masks to support my daughters, and we were literally inundated with requests,” said Amy Clark, Greencastle resident. “As we started running out of supplies, we turned to Facebook, and our growing network began providing us with more materials, and even more of our friends joined us in making masks.”

The Masked Mommas teamed up with Sew In Serve in central Indiana to meet a critical need for CDC-compliant masks. They restructured their system to increase productivity and reduce duplication of mask production. The Masked Mommas in return sent them requests that were out of county to free up more Putnam County requests and established Putnam County Mask Mommas – Sew & Serve on Facebook.

The Mommas’ assembly line, which is done remotely, involves cutting, assembling, laundering, sewing and replenishing supplies. The Mommas have perfected their mask pattern, and include a protective layer cotton/flannel/hepa furnace filters to ensure the mask’s effectiveness. They also deliver completed orders to individuals who can’t leave work.

“The Masked Mommas are a terrific example of how Putnam County residents have mobilized to support healthcare professionals and essential workers during this challenging time,” said Dennis Weatherford, CEO, Putnam County Hospital. “Our team is so grateful to them for putting us first as we all work together to fight this virus.”

“While three of the four original organizers have full-time jobs, and we are juggling virtual meetings, our kids and our daily lives, we are thankful for our ability to help,” Clark continued. “Every time we think we cannot do it any longer, we receive more requests, a positive story about our work, or donations to support this effort. We truly know we are doing what we are supposed to be to serve our community.”

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Our Hospital

More COVID-19 testing is coming to Putnam County May 13. OptumServe will offer FREE tests starting Wednesday to high-risk Hoosiers showing symptoms of COVID-19 or in direct contact with someone who has the virus. Visit https://pchosp.org/testing-site-opens-may-13/ to learn who should be tested. Registration is required at https://lhi.care/covidtesting or (888) 634-1116. Please note that with the increase in testing, it’s possible that the number of cases in the county will increase.

Effective April 2, 2020 at 6 a.m., Putnam County Hospital will enact a no visitor policy to protect patients and the hospital community from COVID-19. The hospital will be establishing ways for families and loved ones to communicate with patients, including designated apps and shared tools for patients who do not have access to personal technology devices. The hospitalist and leadership will apply their discretion to special circumstances involving minor children accompaniment and end of life care, to ensure patients, their families and loved ones are cared for in the most compassionate way during this time.